DePaul University Security Guards Hold One-Day Strike

CHICAGO, IL -- Nonunion security guards have staged a strike at DePaul University Tuesday, claiming they don't receive adequate pay to cover basic living costs. The guards work for Guardian Security Services and staff the school's front desks at its residence halls. Service Employees International Union Local 1 helped to organized the walkout, which began at 7:30 a.m. Tuesday at Clifton and Fullerton Avenues in Lincoln Park.

The Guardian Security officers said they are paid so little that many of them live in poverty and struggle to pay for groceries, CTA passes, and other basic needs. The guards also claimed the low pay has led to a high turnover rate and staffing shortages, which has left many buildings unprotected.

Watch: DePaul University Security Guards Hold One-Day Strike

More than 1,000 students signed a petition to support the security guards. (For more local news, subscribe to free email news alerts and a daily newsletter for your hometown Patch.)

In a statement, DePaul University maintained that Guardian Security was a separate business operation from the school, with separate practices.

The university said its residences' front desks would be staffed during the one-day strike.

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